I'm with ya S.Leeper. Working hard to stay sober today, to stay the course to that next milestone: a 60 day chip. Some days its just really difficult. I thought that this far into it my spirits might have risen a bit, but I'm just feeling flat-lined emotionally....enough so to think, what's the point?

Today I took another step, a step outside of my AA friends, and sought some medical advice. Didn't realize how many barriers there are to climb over to get that kind of access. Luckily I still have some sense of persevering through the difficulties and unknowns and got my foot in the door. Gonna lead to an appointment with this , and another with that, before they open the door, but from what the long term sober people tell me, it will all be worth it.

Holding on to see the promises come true. My grip gets a bit slippery and fatigued, but I'm holding on.....

Hang in there, S.Leeper, it will keep getting better and easier. The results may seem small at first, but you build confidence and strength bit by bit and soon you will be looking back and wondering, "why did I do that to myself."

For everyone thinking of picking up, grab some paper and make a list of all of the things that you hold dear; spouse, career, kids, friends, sports, everything. Leave nothing out, and while you are at it make a list of all the things you are grateful for. Then realize that when you pick up a drink you will have to flush all of those things down the toilet. Stay strong, you all have my support and blessings.

Hanging tough over here, despite the overwhelming amount of stress. No interest in the bottle at all right now. Used to be the first thing I'd think of when times were hard (then again, when they were good too!)

My indulgences these days are 80+% dark chocolate, tart cherry juice, and the occasional crumbles of stilton, gorgonzola, or roquefort on my veggies.

Unbelievable to me really. This is easily the most stressful period I've ever been through and I'm not craving the booze. Progress I guess, but don't think I'll ever be able to say I've got it licked for good.

No matter the dificulty, it can never be lessened by John B. Not if you're an alcoholic. It just makes it more worse, so the idea that drinking is an attractive option to stress is a total illusion for us. That's the insanity of the first drink. And I'm insane in that regards (and others), so I have to go to meetings all the time. The alternative is not sustainable and horrific.

Hey bergbryce, way to go!
Likewise to everyone else doing better for doing without.
Coming up on three years myself and can't believe how quick that happened!
I remind myself (and my friends) never's a long time and that I haven't made any promises and that seems to keep the pressure off.
It's just an extended beer sabbatical!

Thanks again Hankster for starting this important and helpful thread and all those with the courage to share and inspire.

i can wonder.
if sobriety is a destination,
or is it merely a fleeting domain
within an alcoholic's boundless and beautiful journey?

i am not to suggest that the sober few
among us will relapse,
but instead i inquire if their arrival
at the edge of the cup is an achievement
upon which he/she can idle?
or is it that the scuttling feet have
temporarily landed dry suitors
a peaceful regard that will surely be soon sedated?